Tales From the Magician’s Skull – No. 0

Description

Tales From the Magician’s Skull is a printed fantasy magazine dedicated to presenting all-new sword-and-sorcery fiction by the finest modern crafters in the genre. These stories are the real thing, crammed with sword-swinging action, dark sorceries, dread, and ferocious monsters — and they hurtle forward at a headlong pace.

This special-edition of Tales From the Magician’s Skull was previously only available to Kickstarter backers and at select conventions! Now it is available to you!

Here what is in this special issue:

The Way of Serpentsby Howard Andrew Jones

“We swim.” Lalasa pointed to the lake’s north end. “There’s an underwater tunnel that leads to the serpent’s lair.”

Rudra’s teeth showed. “How are we supposed to do that? We can’t breathe underwater!”

Defining Sword and Sorceryby Howard Andrew Jones

An essay from series editor Howard Andrew Jones detailing what sword and sorcery is—and what it isn’t.

Sword and Sorcery’s Grandfatherby Howard Andrew Jones

A brief essay to discuss the origins of the genre.

Dynamic Duos of Fictionby Bill Ward

How pairing up characters helped define the sword and sorcery story.

Fafhrd and The Gray Mouser: Two Who Sought Adventureby Bill Ward

As essay reflecting on two archetypal characters.

The Dark Tower of Jaquaysby John C. Hocking

A look back at one of the classic adventures by a man who played it.

The Three M’s: Writing Horror in Sword and Sorceryby Aeryn Rudel

Magic. Monsters. Mayhem.

Celebrating Leigh Brackettby Howard Andrew Jones

Talking about one of the giants of the genre.

It Came From Appendix N: Roger Zelazny’s Jack of Shadowsby Chris Willrich

Talking about one of D&D’s most influential forces.

Celebrating Robert E. Howardby Howard Andrew Jones

A look back at perhaps the best-known of all sword and sorcery authors.

By The Sword: Adding Realism to Sword and Sorcery Combatby Aeryn Rudel

The do’s and don’ts of dashing and daring.

Striking the Balanceby Bill Ward

The trap of realism, and how to avoid it.

Your Illustrious Ancestorsby James Enge

A lesson in what has come before, and how to get ahold of it.

Finding Sword and Sorceryby C.L. Werner

It’s never to late to discover sword and sorcery.

Valen The Outcastby John C. Hocking

A modern comic take on sword and sorcery.

Horror in Sword and Sorceryby C.L. Werner

Crossing the genres that aren’t too far apart.

The Pledge of the Swordby Howard Andrew Jones

An essay from series editor Howard Andrew Jones about where he comes from and where he wants to go.